US President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, stating he could be 'the next' to face consequences over his stance on drug trafficking and bilateral relations. The remark comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Bogotá, heightened by the US offensive against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Analysts see this as unprecedented political pressure.
Relations between the United States and Colombia have reached a peak of tension following Donald Trump's explicit warning to President Gustavo Petro. In response to a question from journalist Juan Esteban Silva, Trump indicated that, after Nicolás Maduro, Petro could be next in line due to drug production in Colombia and his hostility toward the US.
"Colombia is producing a lot of drugs. They have cocaine factories that send the product directly to the United States. Their president has been very hostile toward our country," Trump stated. He added: "He'd better wake up... or he'll be the next. He'll be the next. And I hope he's listening".
This statement differs from previous comments on regional drug trafficking, targeting the Colombian leader directly. Trump criticized that Petro fails to grasp the severity of drug trafficking and that his government ignores signals impacting US security.
The backdrop involves a high-profile operation against Maduro, featuring diplomatic pressure, reinforced sanctions, and military actions in the Caribbean against drug routes. Petro has challenged Washington's anti-drug policy, advocating rural development approaches, while the US demands stronger outcomes in reducing illicit crops.
In Colombia, the warning raises concerns over effects on military cooperation, intelligence, financial aid, and transnational crime fighting. Diplomats highlight questions about bilateral stability amid tensions with Venezuela and US regional pressure. The phrase 'he'll be the next' reshapes the debate on cooperation between the two countries, though Trump did not specify potential actions.
